I am trying to understand the use of "Father" in Scripture. Here are a couple of passages I am tyring to understand:

1. "Be not called Rabbi for only One is your Master - the Messiah, and you are all brethren. And do not call men Father on earth, for only One is your Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called exalted leader, teacher or judge (kathegetes) for only One is your leader, teacher and judge - the Messiah." Since a Jewish cleric is called Rabbi, and Catholic clerics are called Father, according to God, they are as misguided as those who accept grandiose political and academic titles.

"For he that is the loudest and most powerful (megas) among you shall be the one who executes the commands of another (diakonos). And whoever exalts himself (hupsoo - uplifts himself in opulence, prosperity, and power) shall be abased (tapeinoo - reduced, made small or low, assigned to a diminished or depressed state), and he who shall humble himself shall be exalted and lifted up on high." (Matthew 23:9-12)

The above was taken from, Yada Yahweh, Book VI : God Damn Religion, The Church Age, Chapter 1, Krima, Damnation. The complete chapter can be found here.

2. 1 Corinthians 4:15 (NLT) "For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you."

Can someone provide me with some insight as to what Paul meant here by "father?"

Thanks.

-Yada

Edited by user Sunday, July 29, 2007 6:41:05 AM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified